Flamingos soar into Round of 16 after 4–0 win over Samoa

Nigeria’s Flamingos sealed their spot in the Round of 16 at the 2025 U-17 Women’s World Cup with a dominant 4–0 win over Samoa on Saturday.

Queen Joseph led the charge with a brace, while Azeezat Oduntan and captain Shakirat Moshood each added a goal to secure Nigeria’s progress as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

Needing at least a two-goal margin to advance, the Flamingos wasted no time as Joseph opened the scoring in the 13th minute. Moshood doubled the lead in the 27th minute from the penalty spot after a VAR review. Joseph then struck again in the 34th minute, converting a fine assist from Tabitha Terlumu to make it 3–0.

In the second half, Moshood missed a chance to add to her tally after her 47th-minute penalty was saved by Samoan goalkeeper Grace Ae. However, Oduntan sealed the emphatic win in the 68th minute with a stunning strike into the top corner.

Despite several late chances for a fifth goal, Nigeria comfortably wrapped up the match with a +3 goal difference to finish third in Group D. Canada topped the group after a 2–1 victory over France.

The Flamingos will now face Korea DPR in the Round of 16 on Tuesday.